This year, 30,000 Afghan pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, with the first group departing on April 29, The Khaama Press News Agency reported. .
The Taliban administration has announced the commencement of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage transfers, with 30,000 Afghans expected to travel to Saudi Arabia. in a statement, the authorities confirmed the official launch of the operation during a ceremony held on Tuesday, April 29.
According to the statement released by the Taliban administration, the transfer process will be carried out via two national airlines—Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air.
Special Hajj coordination centers have reportedly been established in various provinces to streamline the organization and administration of pilgrim logistics.
Noor Mohammad Saqib, the Taliban acting Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs, was cited as saying that the first flight departed Kabul airport for Medina with 230 pilgrims on board on April 29.
He added that a total of 97 flights are scheduled over the next month to complete the transfer of all Afghan pilgrims.
The Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs reported that this year’s contingent includes 652 teachers and 300 school staff, reflecting a diverse composition of participants. Officials have emphasized logistical preparedness and coordination following disruptions in previous years caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the report, the cost for each pilgrim this year has been set at US$3,924, which is equivalent to 340,000 Afghanis.
